Africa Tourism Partners and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Kenya, UN Tourism, AfCFTA, BDO, TEAMS Africa, and the Kenya Tourism Board have successfully launched the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Summit (AYTIS) 2025.
The launch, held on January 29, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya-based tourism private sector associations, stakeholders, and media members. Over 200 delegates participated in the launch physically and online, contributing to its massive success.
In a speech delivered by Karanja Waigi, Director for Planning in the Cabinet Secretary’s office, on behalf of Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya, Hon. Rebecca Miano described Kenya’s hosting of the upcoming 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Summit as an opportunity for empowerment, innovation, and inclusion.
“Today’s launch sets the stage for the upcoming 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Summit, set to take place here in Nairobi, from June 10 to 13, 2025. This will be more than just a gathering but a movement. It will showcase the immense potential of intra-Africa trade in tourism services and highlight the vital role of youth in shaping the future of this industry,” added Hon. Rebecca Miano (CS).
For the first time, Nairobi will host the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit in alignment with Kenya’s Youth in Tourism and Conservation initiative that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife launched in December 2024. The initiative is part of the ministry’s commitment to empower young people as innovators, job creators, and leaders in the tourism and conservation sectors.
In addition to the Summit (AYTIS) program, the event will feature desktop exhibitions of youth-led tourism businesses, business-to-business networking opportunities, career guidance, and hosted buyer programs. These will all foster collaboration among tour operators, transport service providers, educational institutions, and technology start-ups.
As the world prepares to meet in Kenya for the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge, the destination offers more than just wildlife and beaches. It also highlights the continent’s rich cultural heritage, dynamic cities, and diverse experiences. Registration for participation and challenge entries is now open. Submissions for the challenge close on 28 February 2025.